PREVIOUS YEAR SOLVED QUESTIONS

SURVEYING - I

Unit - 1

1. Distinguish between the following (June –July 2015, June - July 2014, Dec 2013)

i) Plane surveying: Curvature of earth is not taken into account. Useful for small areas.

Geodetic survey: Curvature of earth is taken into account. It is applicable for large areas.

ii) Precision: Consistency with repetition

Accuracy: Nearness to true value

iii) Systematic error: Reason for error is known and correction can be computed. It can be +ve

or –ve

Random error: Reason for error is not known. Error will be +ve as well as –ve. It is based

on probability method.

iv) Instrumental error: Instrument is not in adjustment

Personal error: Error in observations.

2. Discuss the classification of surveying (Dec-2014)

1. Engineering survey: The objective of this type of surveying is to collect data for designing

roads, railways, irrigation, water supply and sewage disposal projects. These surveys may be

further subdivided into:

a. Reconnaissance survey for determining feasibility ad estimation of the scheme.

b. Preliminary survey for collecting more information to estimate the cost o the project

selected, and

c. Location survey to set the work on the ground.

2. Military Survey: This survey is meant for working out points of strategic importance.

3. Mine survey: This is used for exploring mineral wealth.

4. Geological survey: This survey is for finding different strata in the earth’s crust.

5. Archaeological survey: This survey is for unearthing relics of antiquity.

Based on the instruments used, surveying may be classified into the following:

1. Chain Survey

2. Compass Survey

3. Plane Table Survey

4. Theodolite Survey

5. Tacheometric Survey

6. Modern Survey using electronic equipment like distance metres and total stations.

7. Photographic and Aerial Survey.

3. Explain briefly how the maps are numbered by survey of India. (June-July 2015 &

Dec2013)

The entire area covered by India is divided into a 40*40 longitude and latitude and each

grid is numbered as shown in Fig.1. Each grid is further divided in 4*4 grid of size 10*10

longitude and latitude and they are numbered as shown in Fig 2.

The scale used for 40*40 grid map is 1:25000 and the scale used for 10*10 grid maps

is 1:50,000. The 10*10 longitudinal and lateral grids are further divided into 15’*15’ grids and

are numbered. These maps are available in 1:50,000 to 1:25000 scales. A map corresponding

to 55th A of 6th grid is referred to as NH 55 A – 6, where NH refers to Northern Hemisphere.

Fig. 1 Fig.2

4. Explain the principles of surveying (Dec-2014, June-July 2013)

To get accurate results one should follow the two basic principles explained below:

1. Work from whole to part: In surveying large areas, a system of control points is identified

and they are located with high precision. Then secondary control points are located using less

precise methods. With respect the secondary control point’s details of the localized areas are

measured and plotted. This is called working from whole t part. This principle in surveying

helps in localizing the errors. If the surveying is carried out by adding localized areas, errors

accumulate.

2. Fixing positions of new control points: For fixing new control points with respect to

already fixed points, at least two independent processes should be followed. IF A and B are

two already located control points and with respect to them new control point C is to be located,

apart from the minimum two measurements required, one more reading should be taken. Fixing

of check lines and tie lines will also serve this purpose.

Numerical (Dec-2013)

5. The distance between two points measured along a slope is 800 m. Find the distance

between the points if,

i) The difference in level between the points is 60 m.

ii) The angle of slope between the points is 100

Solution:

L = Distance measured along slope = 800 m

H = difference in level between two points= 60 m

Horizontal distance = D = √ (L2-H2)

D = √ (8002-602)

D = 797.74 m

Horizontal distance = D = L cos θ

D = 800 cos 100

D = 787.846 m

Unit - 2

1. Explain with a neat sketch the indirect ranging and direct ranging? (Dec-2013, June-

July 2014, June-July 2015)

Direct ranging:

This is possible. If the first and last points on the survey line are intervisible. Fig. shows

the end points A, B in a survey line which is intervisible. Now it is necessary to locate point C

on line AB, which is slightly less than a chain length from A. It needs two persons. At points

A and B ranging rods are erected. The assistant of survey positions himself as close to line AB

as possible at a distance slightly less than a chain length and hold a ranging rod. The survey or

positions himself approximately 2 m behind A and sights ranging rods at A and B. He directs

the assistant to move to the left or right of line AB till he finds the ranging rods at A, B and C

in a line. The surveyor should always observe at lower portion of the ranging rods. The signals

used in instructing the assistant at C while ranging.

Indirect ranging:

If the two end points of the line to be measured are not intervisible, the surveyor has to

go for indirect ranging. This is also called reciprocal ranging. The invisibility of points may be due

to unevenness of the ground or due to long distance Fig (a) shows cross – section of the ground

which is a typical case of invisibility of point B of the line from point A. Fig (b) shows the plan .M

and N are the two points to be fixed or AB such that both points are visible from A as well as B. It

needs four people to fix points M and N one person near each point A, B, M and N.

2. Explain the basic principle of EDM devices? (June-July 2013, June-July 2015)

Positions are a fundamental element of geographic data. Sets of positions form features.

Positions are produced by acts of measurement, which are susceptible to human,

environmental, and instrument errors. Measurement errors cannot be eliminated, but systematic

errors can be estimated, and compensated for. Land surveyors use specialized instruments to

measure angles and distances, from which they calculate horizontal and vertical positions. The

Global Positioning System (and to a potentially greater extent, the emerging Global Navigation

Satellite System) enables both surveyors and ordinary citizens to determine positions by

measuring distances to three or more Earth-orbiting satellites. As you've read in this chapter

(and may known from personal experience), GPS technology now rivals electro-optical

positioning devices (i.e., "total stations" that combine optical angle measurement and electronic

distance measurement instruments) in both cost and performance.

3. Explain methods of chaining on sloping ground? (June -July 2014)

In surveying horizontal distances are required. If the ground is sloping there are two

methods to get horizontal distances:

1. Direct method

2. Indirect method.

Direct method: This method is known as method of stepping also, since the line is measured

in smaller step length. Let AB be the length of line to be measured on a sloping ground the

surveyor holds the tape firmly at A and the leader goes with a convenient length l1 of tape say,

5 m, 10 m, 15 m, and a ranging rod in hand. After ranging, the leader holds the chain

horizontally. He may be guided by the surveyor or others in the party for horizontality of the

tape. After stretching the tape, with the help of a plumb bob or by dropping a pebble, the leader

transfers the end of the tape to the ground and marks. The length of the tape selected is such

that the drop is never more than the eyesight of the leader. The length l1 is noted and they move

to measure next step length. The two step lengths need not be the same. The procedure

continues till the total length is measured. It is preferable to measure down the slope rather than

up the slope, since the surveyor can hold the tape firmly, if the measurements are down the hill.

In this method tape is preferred over chain since it is light and hence can be stretched

horizontally, keeping sag at minimum.

Indirect method: If the slope of the ground is gentle these methods may be employed. In these

methods linear measurement is along the sloping ground and it involves angular measurement

also. The following three methods are in common use:

a) First method: Total length to be divide into each segment having particular slope. D=Σlcosθ

b) Second method: The difference in level 'h' is measured by knowing the sloping ground

length 'l' and the equivalent horizontal length L can be calculated.

c) Third method: This method is useful when intermediate points on a line are to be used for

taking offsets.

Unit – 3

1. With a neat sketch, explain the construction and working of an optical square? (Dec

2014, June- July 2015)

It is more accurate and convenient instrument for finding foot of the perpendicular or to set a

right angle. It is a metal box of 50mm dia. And 120 mm deep. There three openings such as

pin hole, a small rectangular slot and a large rectangular slot.

2. List the point to be considered while selecting survey stations in chain surveying? (Dec

2013)

The following points should be considered while selecting survey stations in

chain surveying.

A station selected should be visible from at least 2- more station.

Main frame should have as few lines as possible.

All triangles should be well conditioned

Each triangle should have at least one check line.

Subsidiary station should be selected such that offset to main object from

subsidiary lines are as short as possible.

If possible should have one or two base lines which run on level ground and

through the middle of the area.

Avoid obstacles to ranging and chaining

As far as possible survey lines should be on the level ground

3. Explain with neat sketches, how do you set out a perpendicular to the chain line from

a point outside the chain line?

To drop a perpendicular to a chain line from outside point: Let it be required to drop to

a perpendicular to chain AB from a point D outside it.

i) First method: Select any point D outside the chain line AB. A perpendicular distance of DC

is swung over chain line AB.

ii) Second method: Select any point on the line join CD and bisect it at F. with F as centre &

CF or FD as radius draw an arc to cut the chain line at ‘C’. Now CD will be perpendicular to

the chain line.

4. Define baseline, check line, tie line and detail line. (Dec2013)

Base line: It is the most important line & is the longest line. Main frame works of survey line

are built on it.

Detail-line: If the important objects are far away from the main lines, the offset formed is large,

which reserve into inaccuracy and time consuming in the field work. In such cases the

secondary lines are run by selecting station on main lines.

Check lines: These are the lines connecting Main station to a subsidiary station on opposite

site are connecting to subsidiary station. On the sides of main– lines the purpose measuring

such lines is to check the accuracy within main station are located this lines are also known as

group line.

5. What are the sources of error in chaining? How to avoid them? (Dec2014)

Errors in chaining may be classified into three categories as given below:

1. Personal errors

2. Compensating errors

3. Cumulative errors

Personal errors: Personal errors like wrong reading, wrong recordings, reading from wrong

end or chain and miscounting of the chains are serious errors. It is not easy to detect unless

they are too big. Hence, care should be taken to avoid such errors.

Compensating errors: These errors can be positive or negative. Hence, they are likely to get

compensated when a large number of readings are taken. The following are the examples of

such errors: 1) Incorrect marking of the end of chain 2) Fractional parts of the chain may not

be correct when the chain is corrected by adding or removing a ring. 3) Graduation in the tape

may not be exactly of same length throughout 4). In the method of stepping for measuring

sloping ground, method of plumbing may be crude.

Cumulative errors: These are the errors which occur always in the same direction. Hence, as

more number of chain lengths is required while measuring a line they go on accumulating.

Hence, even if each one of such errors are small they are considerable when longer lengths are

measured. Examples of such errors are: 1. Bad ranging (+ve) 2. Bad straightening 3. Non –

horizontality 4. Sag in the chain 5. Erroneous length of chain 6. Temperature variation 7.

Variation in pull. First four errors are always + ve since they make measured length more than

actual. Last three errors may be + ve or –ve.

Unit – 4

1. Define the following:

i) True meridian & Magnetic meridian

ii) Whole circle bearing and reduced bearing

iii) Dip and Declination. (Dec2013, Dec2014, June-july2015)

True meridian and Magnetic meridian:

The points of intersection of earth's axis with the surface of earth are known as

geographical north & south poles. At any point on earth's surface the line passing through the

point and north & South Pole of the earth is called true meridian. The angle made by a line

with true meridian is called the true bearing of the line. The north & south pole of the earth are

established by astronomical observations.

Whole circle bearing and quadrantal bearing system.

In whole circle bearing (WCB) the bearing of line at any point is measured w.r.t

magnetic meridian. Its value may vary from 00 – 3600. 00 is magnetic north & the bearing

increases in clockwise direction. This type of bearing system is used in prismatic compass.

In quadrantal bearing system (QB), the bearing are read from north or from south. Towards

east or west. The angle measured w.r.t magnetic meridian is designated with letter N or S in

the beginning to indicate whether it’s from North or from south. The letters E or W indicates

whether bearing read is to the east or west respectively.

Reduced bearing (RB): This system is also known as reduced bearing system.

Magnetic dip and Magnetic declination

A balanced needle after magnetization will dip towards north in northern hemisphere

in southern hemisphere. If it is taken to the pole of earth it will take vertical position. The

vertical angle between the horizontal at the point and direction shown by perfectly balanced

needle is known as dip. All important surveys are plotted with reference to true meridian since

the direction of magnetic meridian at a place changes with time. The horizontal angle made

between the two meridians such as magnetic and true meridian is known as magnetic

declination.

2. Explain the following:

i) Dependent and independent coordinates.

ii) Bowditch rule and transit rule.

iii) Latitude and departure. (Dec2014, June-July2013)

i) Dependent coordinates. The latitude & departure co-ordinates of any point with reference

to the preceding point are equal to the latitude and departure of the line joining the preceding

point to the point under consideration .Such ordinates are called as dependent ordinates.

Independent coordinates. The total latitude & departure of any point with respect to a

common origin are known as independent ordinates.

Bowditch's Method:

To balance a traverse where linear and angular measurements are required this rule is

used and it is also called as compass rule. The total error in latitude and departure is distributed

in proportion to the lengths of the sides.

ii) The Bowditch's rule:

Correction to latitude (or departure) of any side = Total error in latitude (or departure)

* length of that side /perimeter of traverse Thus if, CL= correction of latitude of any side CD=

correction to departure of any side ΣL= total error in latitude ΣD= total error in departure Σl=

length of the perimeter l= length of any side CL=ΣL*(l/Σl) and CD=ΣD*(l/Σl)

Transit Method:

It is employed when angular measurements are more precise than linear measurements.

The Transit rule is: Correction to latitude (or departure) of any side = Total error in latitude (or

departure) * latitude L (or departure D) of that line Arithmetic sum of latitude LT (or departure

DT) CL=ΣL*(L/LT) and CD=ΣD*(D/DT)

iii) Latitude and departure:

Latitude is coordinate length measured parallel to an assumed meridian direction.

Departure. Its ordinate length measured at right angles to the meridian direction.

3. Difference between prismatic compass & surveyor's compass. . (June-July 2015)

Prismatic compass Surveyor's compass

The graduation circle is fixed to broad

needle. It does not rotate with line of sight.

The graduation circle is fixed to the box and

rotates with line of sight

There is a prism at viewing end. No prism. Only slit

The graduations are in WCB system. The graduation are in Q.B system.

The graduations are marked inverted. The graduations are marked directly.

Magnetic needle do not act as index. Magnetic needle acts as index.

Tripod mayor may not be provided, the

instrument can be used even by holding

suitably in hand

The instrument can’t be used without tripod.

Unit – 5

1. What is local attraction? How is it detected with the data of compass survey?

(Dec2013)

LOCAL ATTRACTION

A magnetic meridian at a place is established by a magnetic needle which is

uninfluenced by other attracting forces. However, sometimes, the magnetic needle may be

attracted and prevented from indicating the true magnetic meridian when it is in proximity to

certain magnetic substances. Local attraction is a term used to denote any influence, such as

the above, which prevents the needle from pointing to the magnetic north in a given locality.

Some of the sources of local attraction are : magnetite in the ground, wire carrying electric

current, steel structures, railroad rails, underground iron pipes, keys, steel – bowed spectacles,

metal buttons, axes, chains, steel tapes etc., which may be lying on the ground nearby.

Detection of local attraction.

The local attraction at a particular place can be detected by observing the fore and back

bearings of each line and finding its difference. If the difference between fore and back bearing

is 1800, it may be taken that both the stations are free from local attraction, provided there are

no observational and instrumental errors. If the difference is other than 1800, the fore bearing

should be measured again to find out whether the discrepancy is due to avoidable attraction

from the articles on person, chains, tapes etc. it the difference still remains, the local attraction

exists at one or both the stations. Strictly speaking, the term local attraction does not include

avoidable attraction due to things about the person or to other sources not connected with the

place where the needle is read. Elimination of local attraction. If there is local attraction at a

station. All the bearings measured at that place will be incorrect and the amount of error will

be equal in all the bearings. There are two methods for eliminating the effects of local attraction.

First method: In this method, the bearings of the lines are calculated on the basis of the bearing

of that line which has a difference of 1800 in its fore and back bearings. It is. However, assumed

that there are no observational and other instrumental errors. The amount and direction of error

due to local attraction at each of the affected station is found. If, however, there is no such line

in which the two bearings differ by 1800, the corrections should be made from the mean value

of the bearing of that line in which there is least discrepancy between the back sight and fore

sight readings. If the bearings are expressed in quadrantal system, the corrections must be

applied in proper direction. In 1st and 3rd quadrants, the numerical value of bearings increase

in clockwise direction while they increase in anti – clockwise direction in 2nd and 4th

quadrants. Positive corrections are applied clockwise and negative corrections counter –

clockwise.

Second method: This is more a general method and is based on the fact that though the

bearings measured at a station may be incorrect due to local attraction, the included angel

calculated from the bearings will be correct since the amount of error is the same for all the

bearings measured at the station. The included angles between the lines are calculated at all the

stations. If the traverse is a close one, the sum of the internal included angles must be right

angles. If there is any discrepancy in this, observational and instrumental errors also exist. Such

error is distributed equally to all the angles. Proceeding now with the line, the bearings of which

differ by 1800, the bearings of all other lines are calculated.

Unit – 6

1. Explain the following:

i) Types of adjustments of dumpy level

ii) Differential leveling and profile leveling (Dec2013, June-july2014)

Adjustment of a level

1. Setting up

2. Leveling up

3. Focusing

Setting up: It is to set the tripod stand to a convenient height by bringing bubble to the centre

of run through the movement of tripod legs radially.

Levelling up: To make the vertical axis truly vertical the levelling is made with the help of

foot screws. 1. Loosen the clamp and turn the instrument until bubble axis is parallel to line

joining any two screws. 2. Turn the two screws inward or outward equally till bubble is

centered. 3. Turn the telescope through 90 degrees so that it lies over the third screw.

Focusing: For quantitative measurements it is essential that the image should always be formed

in the fixed plane in the telescope where the cross – hairs are situated

Differential leveling and profile levelling

This type of leveling is known as – longitudinal section. The reduced levels of various

points at regular intervals are found along a line or a set of lines. Then the engineers draw the

sectional view of the ground to get the profile. This type of leveling is commonly employed in

deciding railways, highways, canal, sewage line routes. After getting reduced level of various

points along the line, profile of the ground is plotted on a drawing sheet. Normally vertical

scale is much larger than the horizontal scale to clearly view the profile. Then when the

engineers decide the formation level of the proposed project. The decision is mainly based on

balancing, cutting & filling so that the transport of earth is minimum. However the proposed

gradient of formation level should not be more than as permitted. After deciding the formation

level & the gradient the difference between two consecutive points is known. If RL of first

point is known RL of other points are calculated. Differential levelling: When the distance

between two points is very large it may not be possible to take the readings from single setting

of instruments. Each shifting facilitated by taking CP.

2. What is meant by sensitiveness of bubble tube? Describe how you would determine in

the field the sensitiveness of a level tube attached to a dumpy level? (Dec13, june-july14)

Sensitiveness of a bubble tube: When the difference in elevation between any two

points is determined from a single set up by back sighting on one point and fore sighting on the

other. The error is due to non-parallelism. When the bubble is not in the centre of run and

sensitivity is lost, due to the error of curvature and refraction which is eliminated if lengths of

2 sides are made equal. Error due to Curvature: The horizontal line of sight does not remain

straight but it slightly bends towards having concavity towards earth surface due to refraction.

CC = d2/2R Error due to Refraction: As the line of sight is curved downwards towards the

earth surface reading gets decreased. To make the objects appear higher than they really are,

this correction is applied to staff readings, CR = 0.01121d2 where d is in Km.

3. Define the following terms:

i) Benchmark

ii) Back sight

iii) Foresight

iv) Reduced level (June-July 2015)

i) Bench mark: A permanent reference object to which the measurements are considered.

ii) Back sight: It is sight taken on a level staff held at a point of known elevation with an

intension of determining plane of collimation or line of sight. The sight is also known as +ve

sight (add)

iii) Fore sight (F.S): This is the last reading taken from instrument just before shifting the

instrument. This is also called ‘–ve’ sight.

iv) Reduced level: Reduced level of a point is the level of the point with respect to assumed

datum.

Unit – 7

1. Explain different methods of Interpolation of Contours? (Dec14, June-July13)

After finding RL of many points on the ground and plotted the position of those points.

Points on contour lines are identified assuming uniform slope between any two neighboring

points is uniform. In other words, the points on contour lines are interpolated linearly between

the two neighboring points. For example, in Fig 100th contour lies between points D3 and E2

assuming ground slopes uniformly form 100.3 it 99.8 between these two points contour point

is located for this purpose any one of the following three methods may be used.

i) Estimation

ii) Arithmetic calculation

iii) Mechanical or Graphical method.

Estimation: By eye judgment or estimation the point on contour is located between the two

points. For example, between D3 and E3 where elevations are 100.3 and 99.8 m, the contour

point is estimated at a distance. From E3. Similarly the point on DL E2 where RLs are 100.1

and 99.5 the point should be at a distance. This method is rough and is used for small – scale

works. However, it is very fast.

Arithmetic calculation: In this method, instead of estimating the position of points on contour,

arithmetic calculations are made for locating the points on contour.

Mechanical or Graphical method: Any one of the following two methods are used for linearly

interpolating contour points using tracing sheet.

Method 1: On a tracing sheet several parallel lines are drawn at regular interval. Every fifth or

tenth line is made dark for easy counting. If RL of A is 98. 4 m and that of B is 100.2 m assume

bottom most dark line represents 98 m RL and every parallel line is at 0.2 m intervals. Then

hold a point on second parallel line on A. Rotate tracing sheet so that 100.2th parallel line

passes through point B. then intersection of dark lines on AB represents the points on 99 m and

100 m contours similarly. Contour points along any line connecting two – level points can be

obtained and contour lines interpolated and pricked. This method maintains the accuracy of

arithmetic calculations, at the same time is fast also.

Method 2: In this method a line PQ is drawn on a tracing sheet from the mid – point of PQ say

R a perpendicular line RO is drawn. ‘O’ is selected at any convenient distance. PQ is divided

into a number of equal parts, say 20 parts. Then the radial lines from ‘O’ to these equally spaced

points are drawn. A number of guide lines 1-1, 2-2, etc. are drawn parallel to PQ. To interpolate

between two points A and B on drawing sheet, tracing sheet is held with its guide lines parallel

to AB. OQ is assigned a contour lien point just below that of RL of A. Of dark lines are at

every 5 ray interval, and contours are required at every 1 m interval, the interval between two

consecutive rays is 0.2 m. Appropriate ray is made to appear on A and tracing sheet is rotated

till the ray corresponding to B coincides with B. Then the contour points on AB correspond to

the dark lines intersection with AB. These points are produced and the contour points on line

AB are obtained. Thus, in this case also exact interpolation is made mechanically.

2. How do you trace a contour gradient of 1 in 50 on a map having contour interval 2.0

m. (Dec13, june-july14)

i) Contour gradient on a map: The contour lines are at 20 m interval and the map is to a scale

of 1:500. Since slope is assumed uniform between two contour lines, the length of gradient line

between two contour lines should be equivalent to 50 m on the ground, it should be 50/500 m

on paper, 40 mm from starting point a draw an arc of radius 40 mm to interest next contour

line at b. from b this procedure is repeated to get point c line joining a,b,c… is the desired

gradient line.

ii) Contour gradient on ground: For setting contour gradient on ground level a clinometers may

be used. If a clinometers is used, it is set at the required slope. A person stands near point A,

suspends the sloping clinometers at a convenient height to view. The looks through

clinometers, and directs a person holding ranging pole, which is tied with a target at the same

height as the height of instrument from the ground point A. Tape is used to maintain the

required distance from A. after getting next point B, the clinometers is shifted to point B and

the staff man moves to next probable point. The procedure is continued till the last point is

established. The method is fast but any small angular error gets magnified.

3. a. Explain rise and fall method of entering the levelling data, with an example.

b. What is fly back levelling? Why is it performed? (June-July14)

Fly levelling: It is to carry out levelling with respect to temporary bench mark in convenient

direction taking number of CPs:

In this method difference in staff reading at a point with previous reading is found. If

the present reading is less than the previous reading it indicates – rise. If it is more it is fall in

the level of presenting point. If the reduced level of 1st point is known using rise & fall values

of consecutive readings, the reduced level of all point can be calculated one after the other.

Note: 1. Previous reading - Present reading is +ve then its – Rise

2. Previous reading – present reading is - -ve then it’s – fall

Problems:

1. Following consecutive readings were taken with a dumpy level on a continuously

sloping ground. 1.550, 1.955, 2.310, 2.655, 3.170, 0.530, 1.850, 2.755, 0.300, 1.730 and

2.150. Enter the readings in a level field book and calculate the RL of points using rise

and fall method. RL of bench mark = +380.000. Apply usual arithmetic checks? (June-

july-14)

2. The following set of readings were obtained in a leveling job: 2.500, 1.000, 1.500, 1.800,

2.300, 2.900, 1.300, 3.200, 2.800, 2.000, and 1.500. The instrument was shifted after 4th

and 7th readings. The first readings was taken on a bench mark of RL = +250.000. Find

the RL of points using HI method. Apply usual arithmetic checks? (June-July-13)

Unit - 8

1. List the methods of plane tabling. Explain the radiation method. (Dec-13, June-July15,

Dec14)

In this method of surveying a table top, similar to a drawing board is fitted to a tripod

and is provided with a drawing sheet – the observations are made to the objects, distances

scaled down and objects re plotted in the field itself. Since both the observations and plotting

are done in the field simultaneously.

i) Radiation: To fill up details of objects near station ‘O’, plan table is set on station ‘O’ the

plotted position ‘O’ approximately over the ground station. Then using alidade pivoted at ‘O’

the rays are drawn in the direction OA, OB, OC with soft pencil. Then the distances OA, OB<

OC…. Are measured and scaled down to get the plotted positions a,b,c… of field positions

A,B,… thus, the objects are plotted by first drawing radial lines. This method is suitable for

small area and is convenient if the distances are small. This method has wider scope if the

telescopic alidade is used, where distances are measured tacheometrically.

ii) Intersection: In this method rays are drawn to an object form plotted positions of two

stations and the intersection is the plotted position of the objet. Thus, it needs linear

measurements between the two station points and there is no need to measure distances up to

objects. O1 and O2 are the plotted positions of stations. After setting the plane table at station

O1, the rays OA, OB etc. are drawn. Then plane table is shifted to O2 and set on it by back

sighting. Then intersection of lines O2A, O2B, etc. with O1A and O1B, locate the plotted

positions a, b, etc. of the objects. This method is commonly employed for locating:

i) Details

ii) The distant and inaccessible points

iii) The objects on the other side of river

iv) The stations which may be used subsequently. It avoids missing any measurement required

for plotting.

2. What is orientation? Explain the orientation of plane table by back sighting? (June-

July13, Dec14)

Levelling: Sprit level is used to check the level of the table. The level should be ensured in two

positions of spirit level which are at right angles to each other. The legs of tripod are moved

radially or along the circumference to adjust the level of the table.

Orientation: Orientation is the process of setting plane table at a station such that all the line

plotted is parallel to corresponding lines on the ground. This is very important process in plane

tabling. Accuracy of plan table survey mainly depends upon how accurately at each station

perfect orientation is achieved. It can be achieved by any one of the following methods: i)

Using Trough compass ii) by Back sighting iii) by Solving two point or three point problems.

Orientation using trough compass: When the survey work begins form the first station, the

table is oriented in appropriate direction and the north direction is marked near right – hand top

corner using trough compass. This orientation is to be maintained at all subsequent stations. To

get the same orientation, through compass is placed along the north direction marked, and the

table is rotated till compass needle is along zero – zero readings. Then it is clamped. Thus, the

required orientation of the table is obtained. This method of orientation is considered rough,

since the local attraction to compass can affect proper orientation. This method is used as

preliminary orientation and finer orientation is obtained by other methods.

Orientation by back sighting: It is a commonly employed method. Before shifting the table,

from station A to station B, line ab is drawn from plotted position of station towards next station

B. Distance AB is measured and plotted position b of station B is located. Then plane table is

shifted to station B, and centered such that point ‘b’ is exactly over station B. now keeping the

alidade along ba station A is sighted and clamped. This gives the required orientation. Checks

may be applied by sighting already plotted objects from point b.

3. What is three point problem in plane table survey? Explain Bessel’s graphical solution

for the same? (Dec-13, June-July14)

Bessel’s solution: Following are the steps to be followed in this method

1. Keep fiducial edge along bad n sight object at A. clamp the table. Pivoting alidade at b sight

C and draw line bc’

2. Keep fiducial edge of alidade along ab. Unclamp0 the table and sight B. clamp the table.

Pivoting alidade at a sight station C and draw lien to intersect

3. Keep the fuducial edge of alidade along dc and bisect C. clamp the table this gives the correct

orientation of the table.

4. Let resector Aa intersect cd at ‘P’ this is the plotted position of station P. this may be checked

with resector Bb.

Method of perpendiculars

This is another graphical method. The steps involved in solving three point problem

are:

1. Draw ae perpendicular to ab. Keep alidade along ea and turn the table till A is sighted. Clamp

the table and draw the ray Bb to intersect the ray Aae at e.

2. Similarly, draw cf perpendicular to bc. Clamp the table when fcC are in a line. Draw Bb to

intersect Ccf at f.

3. Join df. Drop bp perpendicular to ef P is the plotted position of instrument station P.

4. Orient the table such that pbB are in a line. Clamp the table. This is the required orientation.

Check the orientation by drawing resectors Aa and Cc.

4. What is resection? Explain? (June-July15, Dec14)

Resection: The principle of this method is just opposite to that of the method of intersection.

The rays drawn from the unplotted position of a station to the points of known location are

called resectors. This method is used to locate the plotted position of survey station by drawing

resectors from plotted position of the objects. If a, b and c are the plotted positions A,B and C

to locate instrument station P on the paper, after orienting the table resectors may be plotted.

IF the orientation at P is correct all resectors will pass through a single point. That point is the

plotted position P of station P. the problem, therefore, reduces to that of obtaining the correct

orientation of C.

Resection can be done after orientation of table by any one of the following methods:

i) By compass

ii) By back sighting

iii) By solving two point problems

iv) By solving three point problem